KSRTC Begins Early Preparations for Sabarimala Pilgrimage; 1,750 Buses to Be Deployed
Pathanamthitta: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has begun preparations well in advance for this year's Sabarimala pilgrimage, with repair and refurbishment works starting months ahead of the annual pilgrimage season.
Unlike previous years, when maintenance activities were undertaken only a few weeks before the commencement of services, KSRTC has started repair and maintenance work well ahead of the pilgrimage season to ensure uninterrupted services.
A total of 1,750 buses will be deployed for Sabarimala services during the upcoming pilgrimage season. Major maintenance works, including body repairs, mechanical overhauls and fitness inspections, are currently underway at KSRTC's central and regional workshops as well as at various depots across the state.
In the first phase, KSRTC is focusing on refurbishing low-floor buses that will operate the Pampa–Nilakkal chain services, which play a crucial role in transporting pilgrims between the two key transit points.
At present, refurbishment work is in progress on 140 non-AC low-floor buses and 30 Volvo AC low-floor buses at different workshops. Once these buses are ready, the corporation will begin the second phase of maintenance, covering buses earmarked for long-distance Sabarimala services from various parts of Kerala.
The early start to maintenance is expected to help KSRTC avoid last-minute delays and ensure that its fleet is fully prepared before the commencement of the Sabarimala pilgrimage season.